Course Overview
No experience needed. As long as your child can ride a bike without training wheels, they're ready to go!
Our certified instructors guide students through everything from basic motorcycle controls and protective gear to balance exercises, starting and stopping, turning, and navigating simple obstacles.
Safety is our top priority, so helmets, eye protection and gloves are provided, and we keep things age-appropriate with small groups, controlled environments, and plenty of encouragement.
By the end of the day, your child will have gained real riding skills, made new friends, and discovered the confidence that comes from mastering something new.
Parents must complete a waiver before their child participates.
Safety First & Gear Confidence:
We will dedicate time to gaining invaluable, hands-on knowledge regarding essential safety equipment. Your young riders will not just identify, but truly understand the critical role of proper protection, from selecting the ideal helmet and durable gloves to ensuring the right footwear. This knowledge empowers them to champion their own safety and ride with confidence and preparedness.
Challenge & Play:
Our environment is designed for collective success. As riders tackle real-world challenges, they will cheer each other on and actively celebrate every milestone of progress, fostering a powerful sense of community. This dynamic format warmly welcomes and uplifts both the enthusiasm of brand-new participants and the growing skill of returning riders.
Bike Familiarization & Control:
We will begin by introducing the core mechanics of motorcycling, focusing on the fundamental principles of starting, stopping, balance, and essential controls. Under the watchful eye of our supportive coaches, every participant will engage in dedicated, guided, one-on-one practice. This personalized attention ensures that each rider confidently learns safe and proficient handling, setting the stage for their exciting journey toward expertise.
Reflection & Takeaways:
The experience culminates in a session of guided reflection, where each child is encouraged to openly share their personal learning breakthroughs and favorite team moments. To solidify their growth, the course wraps up with a comprehensive instructor feedback review of the skills mastered.
Respect for Teamwork:
These group discussions are where respect is forged. Riders will explore the powerful traits of a great teammate, defining the character they want to embody both when they're on the dirt and when they step off of it. They will inspire one another to become the kind of safe, exemplary riders who leave a positive impact on their community.
Real Riding, Real Progress:
Prepare for an engaging series of dynamic, skill-building exercises, from practicing precise straight-line control and fluid cone weaves to building confident braking techniques and tackling small obstacles. While our certified instructors will expertly guide every step of the learning journey, the true strength of this process lies in unwavering peer encouragement, where every rider actively inspires and uplifts their teammates toward shared success and trail mastery.
Safety Equipment
Provided by Us: We provide every student with a Department of Transportation (DOT) certified helmet. This is the single most important piece of safety equipment, and we ensure it is properly fitted for your child to provide maximum protection.
Provided by Us: We provide full-coverage riding goggles. These are essential for protecting the eyes from wind, dust, debris, and insects, ensuring your child has a clear and unobstructed view at all times.
Student Must Provide: Your child must wear a sturdy, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, or sweatshirt. This layer is necessary to protect the skin from scrapes, sunburn, and wind while riding.
Student Must Provide: Durable, full-finger riding gloves. Because it's a natural instinct to use our hands to break a fall, students are required to bring their own gloves. This equipment is essential for providing crucial abrasion resistance and protection for the hands.
Student Must Provide: Your child must wear durable long pants, such as jeans or sturdy work pants. Please, no shorts, leggings, or sweatpants. This is vital for protecting the legs from engine heat and providing abrasion resistance.
Student Must Provide: Your child must wear sturdy, closed-toed footwear that covers the ankle. Over-the-ankle hiking boots or work boots are ideal. (No sandals, flip-flops, or canvas shoes like Vans or Converse will be permitted).
Requirements
Requirements for participants to take part in the class:
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Enrolled in YMCA Cherokee Outdoor YMCA Program
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Waiver signed by parent or guardian
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Appropriate attire (Long-sleeved t-shirt, long pants, close toed shoes/boots)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need motorcycle experience?
No! This course is designed specifically for true beginners with zero motorcycle experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stay during the entire 4-hour course?
No, as long as the waiver has been signed by the parent or guardian, your child can ride in the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child gets tired or scared?
Our instructors monitor for fatigue and provide frequent breaks. Kids can take breaks anytime, and we adjust pacing to individual comfort levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students per class?
We maintain a maximum of 20 students to a class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
During rain our instructors monitor weather reports. So long as lightning strikes are at least 15 miles away, the class continues.